At 1430 hrs on 24/02/11 a woman was pushing a pram along Melville Street. When she stopped to attend to her distressed child she was approached from behind by a man who took hold of a nappy bag, which was over her shoulder. The man pulled the bag from the victim, breaking the strap in the process.  The woman took hold of the strap to try and prevent the theft of her bag at which time she was struck on the mouth, receiving a small cut to her lip. The male fled on foot along Melville Street in the direction of Elizabeth Street with the bag.

The male is described as:

• About 19 years of age
• Wearing grey track pants; a black hoodie style jacket with the words ‘… out’ emblazoned upon it in white; white beanie; and dirty white sneakers
• The male had an elongated face with a prominent nose and wispy facial hair.
• The male smelt strongly of either deodorant or aftershave.

Police would like to speak to a female passerby who came to the aid of the mother and her child.  Anyone else who may have witnessed the robbery or has any information in relation to the identity of this man is asked to contact Hobart CIB on 62 302 111 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Tasmania Police Media
(03) 62230 2296